Ontario Confirms 14,119 Immigration Nominations for 2026
Ontario Receives 14,119 Immigration Nominations for 2026
Ontario has officially confirmed its provincial nomination allocation for 2026, revealing a notable increase compared to the previous year. The federal government has granted the province 14,119 nomination spots under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), marking a significant development in Canada’s evolving immigration landscape.
The updated allocation was published on Ontario’s immigration updates page on February 6, 2026. The nomination spaces will be distributed across the program’s eight immigration streams, although Ontario has not yet released details regarding how these spots will be divided by stream or which sectors may be prioritized.
A Sharp Rise from 2025 Levels
The 2026 allocation represents approximately a 31% increase from the 10,750 nomination spots Ontario received in 2025. This growth reflects the federal government’s broader decision to substantially raise permanent residence admissions under Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) across Canada.
For 2026, the federal target for PNP admissions has expanded to 91,500, compared to 55,000 the previous year. As a result, provinces and territories are receiving larger nomination allocations to help meet Canada’s economic immigration goals.
Several other jurisdictions — including Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Yukon — have already confirmed higher allocations for 2026 as part of this nationwide expansion.
Breakdown of February 2, 2026 OINP Draws
The February 2, 2026 OINP draws saw Ontario invite skilled workers through key streams, focusing on in-demand occupations and strengthening the province’s workforce needs.
| Stream | Minimum score | Invitations issued | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker | 33 | 129 | Targeted draw for physicians |
| Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker | 44 | 14 | Targeted draw for REDI |
| Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker | 36 | 634 | Targeted draw for health occupations and early childhood educators and assistants |
| Employer Job Offer: International Student | 69 | 26 | Targeted draw for REDI |
| Employer Job Offer: International Student | 56 | 1,015 | Targeted draw for health occupations and early childhood educators and assistants |
| Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills | 34 | 7 | Targeted draw for REDI |
Still Below Pre-Reduction Levels
While the increase is significant compared to 2025, Ontario’s 2026 allocation remains well below its 2024 levels. In 2024, Ontario received 21,500 nomination spots. With 14,119 nominations allocated for 2026, the province has recovered roughly two-thirds of its previous peak capacity. This suggests that although immigration levels are rebounding, they have not yet returned to their earlier highs.
It is also worth noting that Ontario did not receive any mid-year increase to its nomination allocation in 2025, remaining at 10,750 throughout the year, unlike some other provinces that saw adjustments.
No Sector Priorities Announced Yet
Historically, Ontario has used targeted draws to address labor shortages in sectors such as healthcare, technology, skilled trades, and French-speaking communities. Observers expect further announcements in the coming months clarifying how the province intends to use its expanded nomination capacity.
Major OINP Policy Changes Over the Past Year
Ontario’s immigration program has undergone substantial adjustments over the past year, affecting eligibility criteria, compliance measures, and intake processes.
Expanded Access for Internationally Trained Physicians
In January 2026, Ontario broadened eligibility under its Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream to include certain self-employed physicians. Internationally trained doctors holding provisional registration from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and possessing an OHIP billing number may now qualify without requiring a traditional employer relationship.
This follows earlier changes in February 2025 that allowed self-employed physicians to count self-employment experience toward eligibility across multiple OINP streams, even without a formal job offer. These adjustments aim to strengthen Ontario’s healthcare workforce and address persistent physician shortages.
Suspension of Skilled Trades Stream
In November 2025, Ontario halted its Express Entry Skilled Trades stream and returned all pending applications. The province cited compliance and enforcement concerns as the reason for the immediate suspension.
The future of this stream remains uncertain, and no announcement has yet been made regarding its potential reinstatement.
Broader Authority to Suspend or Return Applications
- Provincial capacity to provide adequate housing and healthcare services
- Applicants’ language proficiency levels
- Educational background
- Employment status
- Anticipated labor market conditions
These measures reflect Ontario’s effort to align immigration intake more closely with economic planning and infrastructure capacity.
Introduction of Employer-Led Application System
Candidates can no longer directly submit applications under these streams. Instead, employers must initiate the process on behalf of prospective foreign workers. The change is designed to improve oversight and strengthen employer accountability.
Reduced Education Requirements for Early Childhood Educators
Ontario also modified eligibility criteria for early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202). Previously, candidates applying under certain streams were required to hold a Canadian bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
As of July 2025, this requirement was removed for applicants under:
- Human Capital Priorities Stream
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
The adjustment is intended to address workforce shortages in the childcare and early education sectors.
In-Person Interviews Introduced
To enhance program integrity, Ontario has also reserved the right to conduct in-person interviews with both applicants and employers. This measure was introduced as part of efforts to address concerns regarding the authenticity and credibility of certain applications.
Planned Consolidation and Program Overhaul
Looking ahead, Ontario has proposed a comprehensive restructuring of the OINP. Under a two-phase reform plan:
Phase One
The province would merge its three Employer Job Offer streams into a single stream that includes multiple tracks, simplifying the overall structure.
Phase Two
Most existing streams would be replaced with three broader pathways focused on:
- Healthcare professionals
- Entrepreneurs
- Individuals demonstrating exceptional talent
These changes were proposed in late 2025 and are expected to roll out in 2026 and beyond, subject to final regulatory approval.
What This Means for Immigration Candidates
The increase to 14,119 nomination spots signals renewed growth in Ontario’s provincial immigration program. However, the program is also becoming more selective and strategically aligned with labor market needs.
With expanded compliance measures, new intake procedures, and an upcoming structural overhaul, applicants may encounter a more streamlined but closely regulated system in 2026. Further announcements regarding stream allocations and sector priorities are anticipated in the months ahead, which will provide clearer direction for candidates planning to apply through the OINP this year.
Recent News
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- Canada Launches Historic Express Entry Draw Focused on French Speakers
- BC PNP Starts 2026 With 429 Skills Immigration Invitations
